PDP Bridge Inspector

This role has a salary range of £34,660 per annum, working 36 hours per week.

We are hiring a PDP Bridge Inspector to join our Infrastructure Schemes service, based in Guildford. The role is a mix of office-based and site-based work, requiring regular travel across the county.

This is a Professional Development Programme (PDP) position. This position provides a formal career development opportunity supported by a comprehensive training and development offer. This position has a grade span ranging between PS7 – PS9 (£34,660-£46,624) which you will have the opportunity to progress through. The role is suitable for entry-level candidates with a relevant degree or candidates with some experience working in a related field.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service (pro-rated for part time opportunities)
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About the Role

To acquire the skills, knowledge and experience needed to carry out bridge inspections competently and in accordance with the relevant Code of Practice, you will work closely with the Senior Bridge Inspector and the wider Infrastructure Team. The role involves maintaining and updating the Authority's Bridge Management System, supporting the planning and delivery of the bridge inspection programme, and assisting in the identification of defects that require maintenance or other interventions. You will also contribute to the delivery of maintenance and improvement works across the structures portfolio, helping to ensure that Surrey's bridges and other highway structures remain safe, reliable and fit for purpose.

While the position does not include formal line management responsibility, you will occasionally supervise contractor staff to facilitate safe access for inspections on certain structures. This role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on Surrey's transport network, as the effective inspection, maintenance and management of highway assets are essential in enabling residents and visitors to travel safely and efficiently across the county. By identifying issues early and supporting timely maintenance, you will play an important role in preserving and improving the performance of these critical assets.

Your Application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• Educated to A level, HNC or equivalent, or able to evidence ability at an equivalent level, and/or relevant vocational qualification (level 3/4 QCF).
• Good IT skills, including MS Office and database management systems.
• Good written and oral communication skills with the ability to build sound relationships with customers and explain technical issues to non technical people.
• Ability to prepare and present reports in a logical and digestible format.
• High level administrative, analytical and organisational skills.
• Able to prioritise and plan own workload in the context of conflicting priorities and work on own initiative.
• A methodical approach to information gathering, recording and reporting.

Surrey has both urban and rural areas and workers will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK and access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 3 questions:

1. Why do you think SCC inspect their highway structures?
2. What do you think you would need to know before inspecting a structure?
3. Give an example of how you have dealt with conflicting priorities at work- what made them conflict, and how did you resolve them?

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

Contact us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.

For an informal discussion please contact David White, Infrastructure Schemes Team Manager by e-mail at David.white@surreycc.gov.uk.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 01/11/2026 with interviews to follow.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation and will move to new authorities in April 2027. This role is currently employed by Surrey County Council and will remain so until then. If you are employed by Surrey County Council on 1 April 2027, your employment will transfer under TUPE arrangements to one of the new councils, with your current terms and conditions protected. The provisional allocation for this post is East Surrey Council, subject to final confirmation through the wider transition process later this year. Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council.

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria, as displayed on the advert, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.